Meeting on Route 78 projects set for Wednesday

SAN MARCOS  Transportation officials are holding an open house Wednesday to explain state Route 78 construction projects to residents and businesses.

The meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive.

Construction is under way to replace the Nordahl Road bridge and build an eastbound auxiliary lane near Barham Road on Route 78. The work is part of a $41 million project to reduce traffic congestion on 78 near Interstate 15. The eastbound stretch ranks as the worst bottleneck in the county.

At the open house, project staff members will give an overview of the plans, with photo simulations, a construction map and phasing plan. They will be available to answer questions about closures and detours, nearby street improvements, lane configurations, construction noise and other issues.

Escondido, San Marcos, Caltrans and SANDAG have worked together on the project. The Nordahl Road bridge is expected to be completed this fall and the eastbound auxiliary lane in early 2013.